One of the questions today was "how do we break the cycle of poverty for long term?" There were four "simple" solutions: homeownership, education, economics, and the Lordship of Christ. Wow. The problem is that those solutions are not exactly easy to "do". Programs are not the answer, life skills are. Especially the skills of budgeting, reading, and various other job skills.

My problem comes in when trying to figure out how to teach those skills, while still meeting people's physical needs while not allowing them to become dependent on me providing for those needs.

It was reiterated today how important it is to live in the community in which you serve. Again, it makes sense, it's just a little bit scary...